US HB978

Rescinds Public Land Order 7917 (issued January 31, 2023) that withdrew federal lands in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, Minnesota from mineral development

Requires the Secretary to complete all environmental and regulatory reviews for Mine Plans of Operations within 18 months of submission, with supplemental reviews completed within 6 months

Mandates reissuance of all mineral leases, preference right leases, and prospecting permits canceled in the Superior National Forest since January 31, 2021, with modified terms including 20-year initial terms and nondiscretionary renewal rights for five subsequent 10-year terms

Requires preference right leases rejected after January 31, 2021 to be granted within 5 days of enactment, and exempts reissued leases and permits from judicial review

Authorizes the Secretary to issue surface land use permits for exploration, development, and use of mineral deposits on leased lands within the Superior National Forest